Tariff reduction tied to EU action
The United States will keep its 27.5% duty on European cars in place until the European Union introduces legislation to ease tariffs on American goods. Under the new framework deal, published Thursday, Washington has agreed to lower the levy to 15% once Brussels begins the legislative process.
Deal reached at Trump–von der Leyen meeting
The agreement was announced on 27 July at Donald Trump’s golf resort in Turnberry, Scotland, after an extended meeting with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. Alongside the car tariff dispute, the framework includes EU commitments to abolish tariffs on all US industrial exports and expand market access for American seafood and agricultural products.
Implementation depends on EU legislation
US officials said the reduction could come quickly, provided the EU acts. “Once they introduce the legislation, even before it is passed, the tariff relief can begin,” a senior American official said. The joint declaration makes clear that European carmakers will face the full 27.5% rate until that step is taken, with cuts applied “from the first day of the same month in which the EU legislative proposal is tabled.”
European unease over the deal
Some European leaders voiced misgivings. French prime minister François Bayrou described the outcome as a setback for Europe, while Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez gave only lukewarm backing, noting its limited
